NXT Minus 6: A Headlock, A Simple Headlock

Sometimes it’s simple little things that leave the biggest impression. Check out what stuck out to Brad!

6. Thank you Mercedez Martinez. Your sneak attack on Io Shirai was random and unexpected, but hopefully it delays Shirai versus Toni Storm. I don’t think it will ever be Toni Time on my watch. And Mercedez, don’t worry. We aren’t angry that you left us. We’re happy to have you back where you belong.

5. Rhea Ripley versus Raquel Gonzalez is my second favorite feud of 2020. There is something primal about watching these two attack each other. Queen of the Jungle. Lion versus tiger. If there is any feud that deserves to end in a cage match, this is it. And if you want to know my #1 feud of the year, check back later this week. 

4. I’m really liking Swerve Scott’s attitude change. I like it almost as much as his new ring gear. That silver robe is some kind of George Clinton intergalactic funk jacket. He disappeared after the Cruiserweight Tournament. Let’s hope someone in creative remembers that Swerve is ridiculously talented, oozing with IT and needs to be on my tv weekly.   

3. Elf on a shelf is trash, but Gargano on a piano is solid gold dipped in gold. Gargano’s Whey is great. He might even make me a fan of Indi Wrestling. Gargano’s promos reek of awesomeness. I hope Candace saw that the love of Johnny’s life is the North American title. Maybe they are setting her up to turn on Johnny and go the Lerae Way???   

2. Velveteen Dream feels too real right now and it makes me sad. His matches feel less like matches and more like punishment for real life transgressions. I’m not here to argue innocence or guilt or whether he deserves to be punished. I’m saying that given his current situation, it would be best for all involved if he took a long break from tv. 

1. This Week’s That’s Why I Love Wrestling goes to…Leon Ruff! The most basic move in all of wrestling is a headlock. It’s one move even wrestling fans can apply correctly. Watching him spring at Timothy Thatcher to apply a headlock, three times, was ridiculous and refreshing and exciting…and it was a headlock! Anytime you can put a new twist on an old move, you’ve won me over. Good stuff, Ruff.